Airlines For America Leadership Says Consistency Is Important In NextGen Deployment

The vice president of Airlines for America says Michael Huerta is taking the reins of the FAA at a "crucial time," and that "FAA leadership is the difference between success and failure in realizing the benefits of NextGen for all stakeholders."

Steve Lott told The Hill that Huerta (pictured) has a lot of Washington experience, and a good understanding of the issues that are facing the aviation industry as well as its priorities.

While Babbitt was a pilot and former union leader, Huerta's roots are more bureaucratic, having been a commissioner of New York City's Department of Ports, International Trade and Commerce as well as executive director of the Port of San Francisco. He was also instrumental in developing transportation facilities for the Salt Lake City Olympics.

Lott told The Hill that there are still significant issues to be resolved in implementing NextGen. "It's not a turnkey operation," he said.

In his resignation letter, Babbitt said he was "confident" in the abilities of the FAA to move forward without him.

FMI: www.airlines.org, www.faa.gov